Physical features
The geographical features of Italy are varied; the south-western corner of the country is enveloped by Tyrrhenian Sea, while Adriatic Sea takes care of its north-eastern parts. The south-eastern Ionian Sea and the Ligurian Sea located in north-west Italy encircle the country from all possible sides and act as a shield of safety for Italy.
The Geography of Italy has two mountain ranges, namely the Alps and the Apennines. The Apennine mountain range is the literal backbone of the country, surrounding the north-western parts, from where it goes to join the Alps. The natural position of both these mountain ranges acquires the shape of an arc and this semicircular topography strengthens the northern boundaries of Italy against any possible foreign invasions.
Mont Blanc, popularly known as Monte Bianco, 4810 meters tall, is the highest Italian mountain summit. The land also has two reputed volcanoes, among which Mount Vesuvius (1,281 m) close to Naples is a dormant state. The other volcanic peak in Sicily, Mount Etna (3,326 m) is still very active, but seldom poses threat to the inhabitants of Italy.
Next to the mountains and the seas, come the valleys and the plain lands in the Geography of Italy . The Italian plain known as the Padan Plain is drained by the longest river of Italy - the Po (652 km) and its numerous tributaries, mostly flowing down from the Alps and Apennines to join it. Some of the tributaries of Po River like Mincio, Dora Baltea, Trebbia and Secchia bring in extensive mineral deposits on the plain, increasing its fertility and making it appropriate for cultivation.
Italy is also a land of lakes. The largest lake in Italy - Lake Garda covers a land area of 370 km². Mention may be made of some other lakes in the country too like:
The Geography of Italy has two mountain ranges, namely the Alps and the Apennines. The Apennine mountain range is the literal backbone of the country, surrounding the north-western parts, from where it goes to join the Alps. The natural position of both these mountain ranges acquires the shape of an arc and this semicircular topography strengthens the northern boundaries of Italy against any possible foreign invasions.
Mont Blanc, popularly known as Monte Bianco, 4810 meters tall, is the highest Italian mountain summit. The land also has two reputed volcanoes, among which Mount Vesuvius (1,281 m) close to Naples is a dormant state. The other volcanic peak in Sicily, Mount Etna (3,326 m) is still very active, but seldom poses threat to the inhabitants of Italy.
Next to the mountains and the seas, come the valleys and the plain lands in the Geography of Italy . The Italian plain known as the Padan Plain is drained by the longest river of Italy - the Po (652 km) and its numerous tributaries, mostly flowing down from the Alps and Apennines to join it. Some of the tributaries of Po River like Mincio, Dora Baltea, Trebbia and Secchia bring in extensive mineral deposits on the plain, increasing its fertility and making it appropriate for cultivation.
Italy is also a land of lakes. The largest lake in Italy - Lake Garda covers a land area of 370 km². Mention may be made of some other lakes in the country too like:
- Northern Italy
- Lake Como
- Lake Iseo
- Lake Maggiore
- Central Italy
- Lake Bolsena
- Lake Bracciano
- Lake Trasimeno